Roll converter control



April 7, 1970 T. J. AcQuAvlvA, JR 3,504,536

ROLL CONVERTER CONTROL Filed April 22, 1968 v Sheets-Sheet 1 AT TORNEVS April 7, 1970 T. J. ACQUAVIVA, JR 3,504,586

ROLL CONVERTER CONTROL Filed April 22, 1968 7 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR. THOMAS J. ACQUAVIVA JR. BY W A T TOR/VEVS April 7, 1970 T.'J. ACQUAVIVA, JR 3,504,536

ROLL CONVERTER CONTROL Filed April 22, 1968 7 Sheets-Sheet 5 INVENTOR. THOMAS J. ACQUAVIVA JR.

BY Mal/4 A T TORNEVS April 7, 1970 T. J. ACQUAVIVA, JR 5 5 ROLL CONVERTER CONTROL Filed April 22, 1968 Q Zv I] 7 Sheets-Sheet 4 INVENTOR. THOMAS J. ACQUAVIVA JR.

FIG. 4 WJ7%% A T TOR/VE'VS April 1970 T. J. ACQUAVIIVA, JR 3,504,586

ROLL CONVERTER CONTROL 7 Sheets- Sheet 5 Filed April 22, 1968 INVENTOR. THOMAS J. ACQUAVIVA JR.

BY W

A 7' TORNEYS April 7, 1970 T. J. ACQUAVIVA, JR 5 5 ROLL CONVERTER CONTROL Filed April 22, 1968 '7 Sheets-Sheet 6 INVENTOR. THOMAS J. ACQUAVIVA JR. BY 7%% A TTORNEKS April 1970 T. J. ACQUAVIVA, JR 3,504,586

ROLL CONVERTER CONTROL Filed April 22, 1968 7 Sheets-Sheet 7 INVENTOR. THOMAS J. ACQUAVIVA JR.

A 7' TORNEVS United States Patent 3,504,586 ROLL CONVERTER CONTROL Thomas J. Acquaviva, Jr., Webster, N.Y., assignor to Xerox Corporation, Rochester, N.Y., a corporation of New York Filed Apr. 22, 1968, Ser. No. 723,114 Int. Cl. B26d /26 U.S. Cl. 83-65 Claims ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE A control for roll stock converters of a type having a stock feeding means and a stock cutter, the control including coincidence gate means adapted when triggered to stop the stock feeding means while actuating the cutter to cut the length of stock fed forward thereto, control gate means for each preselectable sotck length adapted when triggered to trigger said coincidence gate, adjustable length control means for readying a selected one of the control gate means for triggering, and means responsive to feed of stock adapted following feed of the selected stock length forward to the cutter to trigger the readied control gate means.

This invention relates to roll stock converters, and more particularly, to a control for roll stock converters.

Machines for cutting roll stock, such as paper, into selected lengths, normally referred to as roll converters, may be used as the copy sheet supply for copying or duplicating machines. In these machines, it is desirable that the converter be able to automatically furnish sheets in a variety of lengths in accordance with the demand of the user. At the same time, the converter should be capable of manual operation to enable convenient replacement of the stock supply. And both the converter, and the machine with which it is used, should incorporate means to render the converter inoperative on the occasion of a converter malfunction, or other condition requiring shutdown of the converter.

It is a principal object of the present invention to provide a new and improved control for roll stock converters.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a control means for roll stock converters which permits the user to program the converter to cut a predetermined stock length, and incorporating means to prevent the length selected from being changed during the converter cutting cycle.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a roll stock converter control incorporating means to render the converter inoperative on a predetermined condition.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a logic type control for roll converters incorporating means to initialize the control on converter start up to assure correct functioning of the converter and to preset the converter to cut a predetermined stock length.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a control for roll converters incorporating means for measuring the amount of stock fed to the converter cutter with means to automatically reset the measuring means on completion of each cutting cycle.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a control for roll converters incorporating timing means for controlling the converter cutter.

This invention relates to an apparatus for cutting stock into a seletced length comprising in combination a cutter; feeding means for forwarding stock to the cutter; a coincidence gate adapted in a first switching condition to stop the feeding means and actuate the cutter to cut the length of stock fed forward by the feeding means;

gating means associated with each stock length and having an output connected to an input of the coincidence gate, the gating means cooperating to maintain the coincidence gate in a second switching condition; adjustable control means for selecting the length of stock to be cut, the control means being adapted to ready the gating means associated with a selected length of stock for actuation; and means responsive to the feed of stock forward by the feeding means adapted following feed of stock corresponding to the selected length to trigger the readied gating means whereby to switch the coincidence gate to the first switching condition and cut the stock.

Other object and advantages will be apparent from the ensuing description and drawings in which:

FIGURE 1 is the plan view with parts broken away illustrating a roll converter in combination with a reproduction machine;

FIGURE 2 to is side view of the roll converter shown in FIGURE 1;

FIGURE 3 is a sectional view taken along lines 33 of FIGURE 2 of the roller separating means of the roll converter shown in FIGURE 1;

FIGURE 4 is a top plan view of the roll converter shown in FIGURE 1;

FIGURE 5 is an isometric view showing the drive train for the roll converter shown in FIGURE 1; and

FIGURE 6 is a schematic diagram of the logic control for roll converters of the present invention.

Referring to FIGURES 1, 2, 3 and 4 of the drawings, there is shown a roll stock converter, designated generally by the numeral 10, of a type adapted to cut roll stock, such as paper, from supply roll 12 into preselected lengths. The output of converter 10 may be fed for example to a document reproduction or copying machine 5. Converter 10 has stock feeding means 14, stock control 16, stock metering means 18, and cutter 20 supported on a suitable base 22. Base 22 includes a substantially horizontal feed and cutting table 24 having an inlet edge extending at an angle of substantially 45 to the direction of stock feed and a frame section 25 supporting motor 26 and transmission 27. A suitable discharge transport or conveyor 19 may be provided downstream of cutter 20 to carry the cut pieces from converter 10 to the point of use such as copying machine 5. Discharge conveyor 19 is driven by motor 21 (as shown in FIG- URE 6).

Referring particularly to FIGURES 2 and 5 of the drawings, stock feeding means 14 includes feed roll 29 rotatably journaled on base 22 and driven at either high or low speed through clutch sprockets 30, 31, respectively, by motor 26. A pair of idler rollers 32 are journaled on a carriage 33 supported by pins 34 for limited vertical movement. Springs 35 bias carriage 33 and pressure rolls 32 thereof into contact with stock feed and metering rolls 29, 45, respectively.

Stock control 16 includes dancer roll 37, the ends of which are arranged in vertical slot-like tracks 38 in base 22. As can be understood, the weight of roll 37 tensions the stock between feed and metering means 14, 18, respectively.

High speed switch 40 and stock jam responsive switch 41 have operating arms arranged one above the other adjacent the top of one track 38 while stock low speed switch 42, stock oversupply switch 43, and broken stock responsive switch 44 have operating arms arranged one above the other adjacent the bottom of the track 38. As will appear more fully hereinafter, switches 40, 41, 42, 43, and 44 control stock feeding means 14.

Stock metering means 18 includes a metering roll 45 rotatably journaled in base 22. Metering roll 45 is drivingly coupled to motor 26 by clutch 68.

A guide roll 48 is arranged below metering roll 45. Roll 48 forces the stock outwardly thereby increasing the area of contact of the stock with metering roll to reduce potential slippage between the stock and the metering roll.

Cutter 20 includes movable cutting element 49 and c0- operating fixed cutting element 50 operatively supported on base 22. Cutter element 49 is reciprocated by means of rotatable eccentric shaft 51.

Referring particularly to FIGURE 5 of the drawings, transmission 27 has a power transfer shaft 53 driven by motor 26. A gear 54 on shaft 53 meshes with gear 55 on a transverse power take-off shaft 56 having sprockets 57, 58, 59 thereon. Chain 60 connects sprocket 57 with sprocket 61 coupled through clutch to the cutter drive shaft 51. Sprocket 58, coupled through clutch 31 to shaft 56, is connected by chain 62 to feed roll 29. Sprocket 59 is connected by chain 63 with sprocket 64 which is connected by clutch 30 with roll 29.

Transfer shaft 66 has a gear 69 rotatably mounted thereon and selectively coupled thereto by clutch 68. Gear 69 meshes with gear 70 on shaft 53 while gear 71 on shaft 66 meshes with gear 72 on transverse power take-off shaft 73. Clutches 30, 31, 65, 68 are preferably electromagnetic type clutches having operating coils 30, 31', 65, 68, respectively, therefor. Coils 30, 31, 65, 68 serve when energized to engage their respective clutches 30, 31, 65, 68.

In order to assure accuracy in the length of stock cut, transfer shaft 66, which drives metering roll 45, has a radially projecting stop 76 engageable with non-rotatable stopping abutment 79. Abutment 79 is arranged for move ment into the path of rotation of stop 76 on transfer shaft 66 by solenoid 75, engagement of stop 76 with abutment 79 serving to stop rotation of metering roll 45. In order to reduce impact, electromagnetically operated brake 78 is provided for transfer shaft 66. As will appear, brake 78, which is engaged just prior to contact of abutment 79 with stop 76, slows shaft 66 to reduce impact between abutment 79 and stop 76.

A disc-like part 119 having at least one aperture 121 therethrough is secured to shaft 66. As will appear, disc 119 cooperates with phototransistor 118 of signal generator 117 to provide a series of pulse-like signals Whenever metering roll 45 is rotated.

Referring to FIGURE 6 of the drawings, on-oft' switch 102 connects logic control with a suitable source of alternating current power represented by leads L L Drive motor 21 for discharge conveyor 19 is connected across leads L L Conveter drive motor 26 is connected through switch 102 and contact 103 to leads L L As will appear, contact 103 is controlled by motor relay 103'. A suitable direct current power supply 105 is connected by switch 102 with leads L L Selector switches S S S 5,, S are provided to enable the user to select the length of stock to be cut. Switches S S S 8,, S normally connect one input of length selector gates N N N N N to ground line 204. When actuated, switch S S S S or S interrupt the ground circuit and connect the output of lockout gate 107 with the input of the gate N N N N, or N associated therewith.

Lock-out gate 107, which is controlled by gate 108, limits the period during which switches S S S S 8 may be effectively operated. Gate 108 constitutes the primary control for drive motor 26, gate 108- controlling through switching relay 104', motor relay 103. As will appear, gate 108, when unblocked, actuates relay 104' closing contact 104 thereof to complete a circuit to motor relay 103. Relay 103 in turn closes contact 103 to operate motor 26. At the same time, the signal from gate 108 switches gate 107 to a blocking condition to obviate any attempt to change the length of the stock being cut while motor 26 is operative.

Power line 109 connects a suitable voltage tap of power supply 105 with a second input to gates N N N N N,.,, to provide a steady state signal input thereto. Memory circuits 0,, O O 0 O each comprising gates 110, 111 connected output to input, are provided for circuits N N N N N respectively. The output of each gate N N N N N is connected to the input of gate 111 of the memory circuits O O 0 O 0 associated with the other gates N N N N N,. For example, the output of gate N is connected to the input of gates 111 of memory circuits O O 0 O The output of gates 110 of memory circuits 0,, O O 0 0 are connected to the input of control gates C C C C C respectively. The output of gates 111 are connected to the input of switching gate 114 while the output thereof is connected to the input of gates 110.

A suitable pulse operated counter 116 is provided output stages T T T T,,, T,,, T,, of counter 116 being connected to the input of control gates C C C C.,, C,,, C,,', respectively. Signal generator 117 having phototransistor 118 opposite light source with rotatable masking disc 119 therebetween, drives counter 116. As is under stood, rotation of disc 119 permits light from light source 120 to trigger phototransistor 118 each time an aperture 121 in disc 119 passes therebetween, counter 116 responding to the resulting pulse-like signal input from phototransistor 118 to provide signals at individual output stages T T T T.,, T,,, T following various preset input pulse counts. As can be understood, the signal output from generator 117 effectively reflects the length of stock fed for ward by metering roll 45. Gate 134 serves to reset counter 116 at the termination of the cutting cycle as will appear more fully hereinafer.

The output of gates C C C C C C is fed to coincidence gate 123. The output of gate 123 is connected to the input of gate 125.

The output of gate 125 is connected with gate 126. The output of gate 126 is fed to gate 127 and timer 128. The output of gate 127 is connected with the input of gate 130 controlling brake relay 7 8'. The output of gate 130 is connected to the input terminal of gate 131 controlling metering roll clutch coil 68' and stop solenoid 75.

Timer 128 comprises a suitable two-stage timer having a first output tap T controlling operation of clutch coil 65'. The second stage tap T of timer 128 is connected by line 133 with an input terminal of reset gate 134.

Switches 40, 41, 42, 43, 44 which respond to the position of dancer roll 37, control both the operation of and the speed of feed roll 29 in accordance with the supply requirements of converter 10. High and low speed switches 40, 42 control gates 150, 151, respectively, arranged as a memory circuit. The output of gates 150, 151 is fed to gates 152, 153, respectively. Stock oversupply switch 43 has an output connected to the input of gates 152, 153. Gates 152, 153 drive inverters 154 to control high and low speed sprocket clutch coils 30', 31, respectively.

Stock jam responsive switch 41, broken stock responsive switch 44, cut stock sheet responsive switch 80, and safety switch 81, which are normally closed, are in series with one another in a control circuit to safety gate 157. As best seen in FIGURE 1 switch 80 is arranged to open on the presence of cut sheet stock in supply tray 6 while switch 81 opens when a part of the converter housing, such as access door 9, is opened. Gate 157 controls safety relay 158' having contact 158 in the power line 169 for relay 104', coils 30, 31', 65', '68, 78, and solenoid 75. Opening of switch 41, 44, 80 or 81 switches gate 157 to a blocking condition, tie-energizing relay 158 and opening contact 158 thereof to terminate power to the control components of circuit 100.

To permit manual operation of metering roll 45, as for example, when replacing supply roll 12, a service switch 160 is provided. Switch 160 is normally closed to complete a circuit from power line 109 to one input of gates 108, 125, 131 and 162. The output of gate 162 is conected by line 163 with the input of gates 126, 170. As will appear, opening of switch 160 unblocks gates 108,

131 and blocks gate 130 to start feed and metering rolls 29, 45, respectively. On reclosure of switch 160, gate 162 is temporarily switched to a blocking condition by capacitor 164 unblocking gate 126 to start timer 128 and operate cutter 20. At the same time, gate 162 unblocks gate 170 to switch gate 108 to blocking condition thereby de-energizing relay 104. Capacitor 106, however, holds relay 103 energized and motor 26 operative for a period adequate to enable cutter 20 to complete the cutting cycle.

To assure correct operating sequence of the various gates in logic control 100 at start up, initializing gate 176 is provided. Gate 176 has an output connected by line 144 to an input of gate 110 of memory circuit and to gates 130, 134 and 170. One input of gate 176 is connected directly to power line 109 while a second input thereof connects to line 109 through capacitor 179.

When switch 102 is closed to start converter 10, the combined signal input to gate 176 switches gate 176 to a blocking condition. With charging of capacitor 179, gate 176 switches to an unblocked condition.

To operate the roll converter 10, switch 102 is closed to start motor 21 for conveyor 19. As explained conveyor 19 serves to transport cut stock from converter 10 to the point of use, such as reproduction machine 5. At the same time, switch 102 completes a circuit to power supply 105.

With closure of switch 102, gate 17 6 is initially switched to a blocking condition to unblock gate 110 of memory circuit 0 and gates 130, 134 and 170. The signal from gate 110 of memory circuit 0 to control gate C presets gate C so that should converter 10 be started without one of the other stock length selector switch S S S or S being actuated, converter 10 will cut the length of stock represented by switch S It is understood that gate 111 of circuit 0 which is in a blocked condition due to the combined signal inputs of gates N N N N and gate 110 of circuit 0 holds gate 110 unblocked when initializer gate 176 subsequently switches to an unblocked condition.

The signal from gate 130 actuates brake coil 78' to hold brake 78 engaged while the signal from reset gate 134 resets counter 116. The signal from gate 170 holds gate 108 in a blocked condition to prevent start-up of motor 26. With gate 108 blocked, gate 107 is unblocked.

Where a different stock length is desired, the switch S S S or S, therefor may be momentarily actuated. For example, actuation of switch S impresses the signal from gate 107 on gate N switching gate N to a blocking condition whereby gate 111 of memory circuit 0 is unblocked.

The signal from gate 111 of memory circuit 0 combines with signals from the gates 111 of the remaining memory circuits O O O O to switch gate 114 to a blocking condition thereby unblocking gates 110. The signals from gates N N N and N which are unblocked combine with the signal from the now unblocked gate 110 of memory circuit 0 to switch gate 111 thereof to a blocked condition to return gate 114 to an unblocked condition and gates 110 of memory circuits O O 0 O to a blocked condition. The blocked condition of gate 111 of memory circuit 0 holds gate 110 thereof unblocked to ready control gate C for operation.

Similarly actuation of selector switch S S or S or later actuation of switch S by the operator purges logic control 100 of the previously selected length and readies converter to cut the newly selected length.

Assuming control gate C to be preconditioned for operation as described heretofore, a signal A from reproduction machine 5 when the machine assumes a ready condition unblocks gate 108 to actuate relay 104 closing contact 104 thereof. Closure of contact 104 actuates motor relay 103', closing contact 103 thereof and energizing motor 26. Additionally the signal from gate 108 switches gate 107 to a blocking condition to neutralize selection switches S S S S and prevent changing the length of stock to be cut during the operating cycle of converter 10.

A second signal B from reproduction machine 5 when the machine requires feed of cut stock, unblocks gate 131. Gate 131 actuates clutch coil 68 to engage clutch 68 and drive metering roll 45, and actuates solenoid to lift abutment 79 from the path of rotation shaft stop 76. The signal from gate 131 switches gate 130 to a blocked condition thereby de-energizing brake coil 78' to release brake 78.

As metering roll 45 rotates to feed stock from supply roll 12 forward to cutter 20, disc 119 of signal generator 117 rotates in unison therewith. The resulting signal output from generator 117 drives counter 116.

Following a preset number of signal pulses, representing feed of a predetermined length of stock forward by metering roll 45, the signal from stage T of counter 116 to gate C cooperates with the signal from gate of memory circuit 0 to switch gate C to a blocked condition. The loss of signal input to gate 123 unblocks gate 123 switching gate 125 to a blocked condition. With gate 125 blocked, gate 126 is unblocked. The signal from gate 126 switches gate 127 to a blocked condition and actuates timer 128. With gate 127 blocked, gate 130 is unblocked, actuating brake coil 78' and engaging brake 78 to slow shaft 66. At the same time, gate 130 switches gate 131 to a blocked condition to de-energize clutch coil 68' and solenoid 75. Clutch 68 is therefore disengaged to uncouple gear 69 from shaft 66 while abutment 79 is moved into the path of shaft stop 76.

Although power to metering roll 45 is interrupted on disengagement of clutch 68, the inertia of the moving parts and particularly that of the relatively heavy metering roll tends to sustain rotation of roll 45. Brake 78 serves to slow metering roll 45 so that engagement of shaft stop 76 with abutment 79 is relatively shock free. As can be understood, engagement of stop 76 with abutment 79 assures stopping of metering roll 45 at a constant point in the revolution of roll 45, enabling the length of stock fed forward by roll 45 to be accurately controlled.

Timer 128 actuates clutch coil 65 to engage clutch 65 and couple drive sprocket 61 with eccentric drive shaft 51. Cutter element 49 accordingly reciprocates into and out of cutting relation with stationary cutter element 50 to cut the stock. Following a predetermined interval, adequate for cutter element 49 to make one cycle, the signal from tap T of timer 128 de-energizes clutch coil 65' to disengage clutch 65.

Following an additional interval a signal from tap T of timer 128 unblocks gate 134 to reset counter 116 and ready control circuit 100 for the next cycle.

It is understood that the operational cycle of control circuit 100 when switch S S S or S is actuated is the same as that described heretofore for switch S the actuated switch S S S or S cooperating with output stage T T T or T of counter 116 to stop meeting roll 45 and actuate cutter 20 when the length of stock represented by switch S S S or S, has been fed forward to cutter 20.

Should metering roll 45 continue to feed stock beyond the maximum selectable length, a signal from stage T of counter 116 switches gate C to a blocking condition. Gate 123 is unblocked, stopping metering roll 45 and actuating cutter 20 as described heretofore.

Switches 40, 42, 43 respond to the position or dancer roll 37 which in turn responds to the amount of stock between feed and metering rolls 29, 45, respectively. Where the length of stock between rolls 29, 45 is relatively short, dancer roll 37 is raised upwardly in tracks 38 closing stock low limit switch 40 and unblocking gate 150.

The signal from gate switches gate 152 to a blocked condition, the signal from inverter 154 actuating clutch coil 30'. Coil 30 engages clutch 30 to couple sprocket 64 to power take-off shaft 56. Feed roll 29 is accordingly driven through belt 63 and sprocket 64 at a relatively high speed.

Should the amount of stock between feed and metering rolls 29, 45 increase, dancer roll 37 decends in tracks 38 closing stock high limit switch 42 and unblocking gate 151. The signal from gate 151 switches gate 153 to a blocked condition whereby clutch coil 31 is actuated to couple sprocket 58 to metering roll 29. Roll 29 is according driven through sprockets 58, 65 and belt 62 at rela tively low speed. It is understood that the signal from gate 151 switches gate 150 to a blocked condition, de-energizing clutch coil 30' and disengaging clutch 30.

Should the length of stock between feed and metering rolls 29, 45, respectively, continue to increase, dancer roll 37 closes stock oversupply switch 43 unblocking gate 153 and tie-energizing clutch coil 31' to stop feed roll 29.

Should the supply of stock fail or be otherwise interrupted by a jam, the length of stock between feed and metering rolls 29, 45, respectively, is shortened and dancer roll 37 is raised upwardly in tracks 38 opening jam responsive switch 41. Where the amount of stock between feed and metering rolls 29, 45, becomes excessive or where a break in the stock occurs, dancer roll 37 descends in tracks 38 opening broken stock responsive switch 44. Switches 41, 44, which are in series with stop switch 80, which is opened on the presence of precut stock in supply tray 6 of the reproduction machine 5, and with safety switch 80, which is opened when a portion of the machine cabinet, such as access door 9 is opened, control through gate 157 safely relay 158. Opening switch 41, 44, 80 or 81 switches gate 157 to a blocking condition, de-energizing relay 158 and opening contact 158 to interrupt power line 169 and shut down converter 10.

To provide continuous operation of the feed and metering rolls 29, 45, respectively, as when replacing supply roll 12, service switch 160 may be actuated, unblocking gates 108, 131. The signal from gate 108 actuates motor relay 103' to start motor 26 as described heretofore. Unblocking gate 131 actuates coil 68 and solenoid 75, engaging clutch 68 and raising abutment 79'. At the same time, gate 131 switches gate 130 to a blocking condition de-energizing coil 78' and releasing brake 78. Feed and metering rolls 29, 45 accordingly feed stock forward to cutter 20.

On release of switch 160, gate 162 is temporarily switched to a blocking condition unblocking gate 126. Gate 126 starts timer 128 and switches gate 127 to a blocking condition. Gate 130 is accordingly unblocked and brake 78 engaged. Gate 130 switches gate 131 to a blocking condition to disengage clutch 68 and release abutment 79. Timer 128 initiates operation of cutter 20 to cut the length of sheet fed forward in the manner described.

Additionally, gate 162 unblocks gate 170 to reset gate 108 thereby de-energizing relay 104 and opening contact 104. Capacitor 106 temporarily holds relay 103 energized to maintain motor 26 operative for the time required for cutter 20 to complete the cutting cycle.

Where reproduction machine stops, following completion of the reproducing cycle or because of a machine malfunction, the signal C therefrom unblocks gate 170 to switch gate 108 to a blocking condition whereby relay 104' is de-energized and converter drive motor 26 stopped.

To enable reproduction machine 5 to adjust itself where relatively long sheets of copy paper, such as represented by selector switches S S are fed thereto by converter 10, gate 180, the input terminals of which are connected to the output of gates 111 of memory circuits 0 O respectively, is provided. The output of gate 180 is fed through line 181 to a suitable signal pickup means (not shown) in reproduction machine 5. As can be understood, switching of gate 111 of memory circuit 0 or O to a blocking state unblocks gate 180, the signal output thereof passing via line 181 to reproduction machine 5.

While the invention has been described with reference to the structure disclosed herein, it is not confined to the details set forth, and this application is intended to cover such modifications or changes as may come within the purposes of the improvements or the scope of the following claims.

What is claimed is:

1. In an apparatus for cutting stock into a selected length including a stock cutter and feeding means for forwarding stock to said cutter, the combination of a coincidence gate adapted in a first switching condition to stop said feeding means and actuate said cutter to out the length of stock fed forward by said feeding means,

gating means associated with each stock length and having an output connected to an input of said coincidence gate, said gating means cooperating to maintain said coincidence gate in a second switching condition,

adjustable control means for selecting the length of stock to be out, said control means being adapted to ready the gating means associated with the length of stock selected for actuation; and,

means responsive to the length of stock fed forward by said feeding means adapted following feed of stock corresponding to said selected length to trigger said readied gating means whereby to switch said coincidence gate to said first switching condition and cut said stock.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1 in which said gating means includes a control gate associated with each of said stock lengths having an output operably connected to an input of said coincidence gate, each of said control gates having a pair of inputs; said stock length responsive means having an output operably connected to one of said control gate inputs; said control means including a gating circuit associated with each of said stock lengths having an output operably connected to the second input of the control gate associated with a like stock length, each one of said gating circuits being adapted when triggered from a first switching condition to a second switching condition to place a readying signal on the control gate associated therewith whereby to enable said stock length responsive means to trigger the control gate upon feed of the length of stock corresponding thereto forward to said cutter.

3. The apparatus according to claim 2 in which said control means includes a length selector gate associated with each of said stock lengths and adapted when triggered to switch a previously triggered one of said gating circuits to said first switching condition to thereby remove the readying signal from the control gate associated with said previously triggered one gating circuit while readying a second gating circuit associated with a diiferent one of said stock lengths for triggering to said second switching condition;

switch means to trigger a selected one of said selector gates; and a switching gate responsive to simultaneous dispositlon of said gating circuits in said first switching condition to trigger said second gating circuit to said second switching condition whereby to condition said apparatus to cut a different one of said stock lengths. 4. The apparatus according to claim 3 in which said apparatus includes a drive motor; a lock-out gate, said switching means serving to operably connect the output of said lock-out gate to a selected one of said selector gates; and

means responding to actuation of said motor to switch said lock-out gate to a blocking condition whereby to neutralize said switching means and prevent changes in the length selected for cutting while said motor is actuated.

5. The apparatus according to claim 2 including a second control gate having an output operahly connected to one input of said coincidence gate,

said stock length responsive means having an output operably connected to the input of said second control gate and adapted on a predetermined stock overfeed to trigger and second control gate and switch said coincidence gate to said first switching condition whereby to stop said feeding means and actuate said cutter.

6. The apparatus according to claim 2 including switch means adapted when actuated to bypass said coincidence gate whereby to feed an indeterminate length of stock forward to said cutter.

7. The apparatus according to claim 1 including a drive motor,

first clutch means for drivingly coupling said feeding means with said motor,

a clutch control gate adapted when triggered to actuate said first clutch means,

second clutch means for drivingly coupling said cutter with said motor,

clutch control means for actuating said second clutch means; and

switch means adapted when actuated to trigger said clutch control gate from a first switching condition to a second switching condition whereby to actuate said first clutch means and operate said stock feeding means,

said coincidence gate being adapted when switched to said first switching condition to trigger said clutch control gate to said first switching condition whereby to render said first clutch means inoperative and stop said feeding means while triggering said clutch control means to actuate said second clutch means whereby to operate said cutter,

said clutch control means including timing means adapted following a preset interval to render said second clutch control means inoperative and stop said cutter, i

8. The apparatus according to claim 7 including gate means adapted on -a predetermined condition of said apparatus to shut down said motor and stop said apparatus.

9. The apparatus according to claim 2 including means operable on start-up of said apparatus to trigger a predetermined one of said gating circuits to said second switching condition whereby to preset said apparatus to cut the stock length associated with said one gating circuit, said last mentioned means including an initializer gate having an output connected to one input of said one gating circuit, and

means adapted on start-up of said apparatus to temporarily switch said initializer gate from a first switching condition to a second switching condition whereby to trigger said one gating circuit to said second switching condition.

10 The apparatus according to claim 9 in which said length responsive means includes binary counting means; means for driving said counting means in accordance with feed of each incremental length of sheet stock forward to said cutter; and a reset control gate adapted when triggered to reset said counting means, said initializer gate being adapted when switched to said second switching condition to trigger said reset gate whereby to assure resetting of said counting at start-up of said apparatus.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 4/1965 Best et al. 83-208 10/1968 Cliiford 83-208 X JAMES M. MEISTER, Primary Examiner 

